Word Origin & History

dice early 14c., des, dys, plural of dy (see die (n.)), altered 14c. to dyse, dyce, and 15c. to dice. "As in pence, the plural s retains its original breath sound, probably because these words were not felt as ordinary plurals, but as collective words" [OED]. Sometimes used as singular 1400-1700. The verb "to cut into cubes" is first recorded late 14c. Related: Diced.

Example Sentences for dice

When tender, drain them, remove the skins, and dice the beets.

He learned of him how to play the dice, and a pack the cards—he paid him L1,000.

Have ready some toasted bread cut into small squares or dice.

Cut up the flesh of the claws and tail into dice, and stir it in.

Words, sir, never influence the course of the cards, or the course of the dice.

Then put in some bits of loin of pork cut into dice and some bits of lean ham.

Five were intent on a game of dice, whispering fiercely while they played.

Stamp into dice or diamonds and serve them in the clear soup.

Then put them into a dish while you fry the carrots, turnips, and onions; the carrots and turnips in dice, the onions sliced.

But then how is this reconcilable with the case of the dice, and with similar examples?